title: Heart rate and perceived exertion during self-selected intensities for exergaming compared to traditional exercise in college-age participants.
abstract: Exergames may be useful for promoting physical activity in younger populations. Heart rate (HRs) responses and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) at self-selected intensities were compared in college-age participants during 2 modes of exergame activity vs. traditional exercise. Thirty-seven participants (men: 20, women: 17) completed 3 30-minute self-selected intensity trials: (a) video game interactive bicycle ergometer (GB) (CatEye GB300), (b) interactive video dance game (Dance Dance Revolution [DDR]), and (c) traditional cycle ergometer (CE) while watching television. Mean HR, peak HR (PkHR), and minutes above target HR (THR) were significantly higher for GB (144 ± 22 b · min(-1) [57% HR reserve (HRR)], 161 ± 23 b · min(-1), and 22.5 ± 11.1 minutes) than for DDR (119 ± 16 b · min(-1) [37% HRR], 138 ± 20 b · min(-1), and 11.2 ± 11.9 minutes) or for CE (126 ± 20 b · min(-1) [42% HRR], 144 ± 24 b · min(-1), and 14.2 ± 12.6 minutes). The RPE was significantly higher for GB (4.2 ± 1.5) and CE (3.8 ± 1.2) than for DDR (2.7 ± 1.3). Recovery HR (RecHR) (15 minutes postexercise) was significantly higher for GB (91 ± 14 b · min(-1)) than for DDR (80 ± 11 b · min(-1)) and neared significance vs. CE (84 ± 14 b · min(-1), p = 0.059). No difference in PkHR, RecHR, or minutes above THR was observed between DDR and CE. Session RPE was significantly higher for GB (4.6 ± 1.7) and CE (4.1 ± 1.6) than for DDR (2.8 ± 1.5). All modes elicited extended proportions of time above THR; GB: 75%, DDR: 37%, and CE: 47%. Results support that exergames are capable of eliciting physiological responses necessary for fitness improvements. Practitioners might consider exergames as periodic activity options for clients needing motivation to be regularly active.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Missouri Western State University, St Joseph, Missouri, USA. jkraft@missouriwestern.edu
authors.forename: Justin A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Kraft
authors.forename: William D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: Tracy A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Bowman
authors.forename: Clifford W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Selsor
authors.forename: Grant D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Foster
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003615:Dancing / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D018910:Video Games; D055815:Young Adult